As Simone Biles is enjoying her time off the ground after the Paris Olympics triumph, her performance despite a health issue at the 2018 Doha World Championships showcases her strength and resilience. In Paris, Biles added to her legendary status by winning two all-around titles, joining the elite company of Larisa Latynina and Vera Čáslavská. Yet her pre-Paris showcasing of her perseverance and astonishing determination stands out…
Well, indeed, her Paris success was a testament to her mental and physical recovery, as she shared, “I never thought I’d step foot on the gymnastics floor again just because of everything that had happened.” With the help of her coaches, Cecile and Laurent Landi, she worked tirelessly to reclaim her place at the top. But what about those moments when the world didn’t see her at her peak, yet she still shone brighter than ever?
Flashback to 2018, at the Doha World Championships, Biles faced an unexpected challenge: a kidney stone. Despite the severe pain, she competed, leading the USA women to team gold and becoming an 11-time world champion. The drama began less than 24 hours before the championships when she visited the emergency room. Yet, her determination was unwavering.
Simone’s half on double front in pt from side angle pic.twitter.com/4K3wY38Vgj
— 不用睡觉该多好 (@yuhangyuan_) August 12, 2025
Biles said, “I was like, ‘Sorry, I have to compete, so I’m leaving, but, like, thanks for letting me know I have a kidney stone. And I’ll deal with the pain later.’” Her resolve was not just for herself but for her team, as she later posted on social media, “nothing like a late night ER visit less than 24 hrs before world championships this kidney stone can wait…. doing it for my team! I’ll be gucci girls!” This moment encapsulates her trendsetting approach to competing through adversity, highlighting her strength as a gymnast. But how does this compare to her current phase of enjoying a quieter year?
Currently, Biles is taking a well-deserved break, focusing on personal growth and mental health after the intense spotlight of the Paris Olympics. Her 2018 Doha performance, where she pushed through pain to achieve greatness, serves as a powerful reminder of her resilience. It’s a narrative that resonates with fans and aspiring athletes alike, showing that even in the quietest years, the echoes of past triumphs continue to inspire. So, what can we learn from Biles’ journey of balancing peak performance with personal well-being?
Simone Biles and the Twisties: A journey through mental health challenges
Remember when Simone Biles, the gymnastics queen, stepped back from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to the twisties? It wasn’t just a physical setback; it was a mental health battle that captivated the world. The twisties, a disorienting condition where gymnasts lose spatial awareness mid-air, forced Biles to prioritize her well-being over gold medals. In an exclusive interview with Olympics.com, she reflected, “It wasn’t my goal. It’s not what I really wanted.” Her decision sparked a global conversation about mental health in sports, proving that even the greatest athletes face invisible struggles.
Simone Biles USA, AUGUST 5, 2024 – Gymnastics – Artistic : Women s Apparatus Floor Exercise Final during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Olympische Spiele, Olympia, OS at Bercy Arena in Paris, France. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxJPN 262268753
Biles’ openness about her anxiety and panic attacks before Tokyo 2020 was brave. She experienced a tipping point with the twisties, a term referring to a mental block that jeopardizes safety. As the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute noted, Biles became an unexpected advocate for mental health, saying, “Getting the mental health therapy that I need has been really relieving for me.” Her use of the mental health app Cerebral and weekly therapy sessions highlighted a new era of athlete vulnerability. But how did this shift in public perception impact the sports world?
Today, Biles’ journey continues to inspire, showing that mental health is as crucial as physical prowess. Her story isn’t just about gymnastics; it’s about resilience and redefining success. So, what does this mean for the future of sports and mental health advocacy?
The post Simone Biles Performing With Kidney Stone at Doha Worlds Highlights Strength as She Enjoys a Quiet Year appeared first on EssentiallySports.